Have you ever been afraid? Has fear ever immobilized you from taking action? Have you found yourself overwhelmed by your circumstances? These are some of the questions I'm often asked. (I'm still trying to get used to the idea that someone, anyone for that matter, would want MY advice on anything, as this has not been typical in my life. I suppose once you have experienced great heartache, and survived to see the other side of the valley, you become an expert on certain topics.) Several times I've been asked how I keep myself from becoming fearful that something else will happen in my life. Well, I do have a few responses to these questions, which are good questions, I might add. Everything in this blog is based on personal lessons the Lord has taught me through my journey through the valley of despair. I know there are other ways to answer questions of this nature, and would love to hear your thoughts as well.
I have discovered, as many of those reading this will agree, that bad things happen in our lives. I'm not going to spend time with the theology behind all of this, but I will say we are guaranteed that we will face hardships. So, how can we move forward and live out our lives without harboring fear in our hearts? Fear is one of Satan's most powerful weapons, which he uses to destroy the very foundation of our faith, and all too often we give in, allowing that fear to grip our hearts. We don't want to be cowered in the corner wondering when bad things are going to enter our life. Nor do we want to walk around in a state of paranoia that something will knock us down as soon as we turn the next corner. It's true that these things may happen, but if we are children of God, we have been promised to never walk through these situations on our own. Isaiah 41:1b-3 says, "'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.'" I love the Lord's promise in these verses! He will be with us no matter what difficult circumstance comes our way. Notice the verses do not say IF you experience these difficulties, rather WHEN you do. Yes, you will experience hardship, but when you do, 'the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior' has promised to walk through it with you. Rest assured, He will see you to the other side, where you can look back at the valley to see the wonderful things He has done in your life. Praise God that He doesn't leave us to find our own way through the turmoil!
Instead of a spirit of fear, we can be strengthened in our weakness because the Lord has promised to go with us. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) We can be bold in our faith because we know that even if we are faced with great difficulties, the Lord will not leave our side. Other people can say whatever they want to say about me, but I don't have to choose fear. I can be strong and courageous, knowing that I am protected by the Lord, my God. When I feel as if I couldn't possibly go another step, He will give me the strength I need. Isaiah 41:10,13 says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. . . . For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Picture this for a minute: You are bombarded on every side by the enemy, who seeks to destroy your faith in the Lord. You know that any step you take will certainly lead to being knocked to the ground. Then, in the midst of the darkness, the Lord reaches down with His right hand, takes your hand in His, and says, "Do not fear, for I am with you." I don't know about you, but that gives me goosebumps!
In my own dark valley, I have learned to trust the Lord even when I cannot see a way out of the darkness. If I allowed fear to claim my heart, I would never again strap myself or my children into a vehicle. Obviously, this would be ridiculous for me to live my life this way, but that's how fear works. How can I know that the same thing won't happen again? Well, I can't ever know that. But I choose to trust the Lord in all circumstances, knowing even if there was another tragic accident, I would not be alone. "When I am afraid, I will trust You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (Psalm 56:3-4) Sure, tragedy may strike again, but I can trust that the Lord will bring me through the next battle same as He has this one. I cannot let the enemy lay claim to my heart by planting a fear that will threaten to strangle everything good the Lord has done in my life, thus adding tragedy to tragedy.
When we remove a negative force from our lives, it's always a good idea to replace it with a promise from the Lord. In this case, as we allow the Lord to remove the fear that has controlled our lives, let's replace it with joy and peace. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13) We do not have to live in fear, rather we can choose to be filled with joy and peace. By trusting in the Lord, despite any situation that comes our way, we can still overflow with hope because we know the Lord has the victory over evil. Instead of allowing fear to control you, choose to be thankful for the Lord's goodness. Focus on what He has provided, having a spirit of gratitude for all the beauty in your life. As I look at the faces of my beautiful boys, I am constantly reminded of how blessed I am to still have the opportunity to raise them, even when being a single parent threatens to be the end of me! I hold on to that reminder every time I feel fear trying to creep back into my heart, because it brings with it overwhelming joy at the goodness of the Lord.
Are you allowing fear to claim your heart, or are you choosing to let the joy and peace of the Lord guide your steps as you trust in the Him? Don't let Satan have this victory in your life. He may be powerful, but the Lord has the final say. He will silence Satan as He replaces your fear with His perfect peace.
